For athletes training at high levels for long periods of time, sports drinks replace carbohydrates and electrolytes they lose in sweat.

But too many high-calorie, sugary drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade can be a problem, experts say. Drinking them can lead to weight gain and cavities.

“It’s a double-edged sword,” said Jackie Buell, a dietitian and director of sports nutrition at Ohio State University. “The sugar can be helpful for athletes, but it can also cause obesity or dental problems.”

She said the duration and intensity of activity should help determine whether athletes need the extra nutrients in sports drinks.

“If they’re exercising for less than 60 minutes, there is really no need for sports drinks,” Buell said. “But for two-a-days and things like that, sports drinks are awesome.”

For the most part, athletes younger than 12 do not train at high enough levels to need the extra boost provided by sports drinks, said Dr. Jason Dapore, a sports-medicine specialist at OhioHealth’s Spine, Sport and Joint Center.

“It’s a lot of empty calories if you’re not using (sports drinks) to replace something,” he said.